2007 Peugeot 307 review
January 23, 2008 by Karl Peskett
The 307 has that sort of slack-jawed yokel look about it, with the mouth featuring two black plastic bump-pads at each side, making it look like it has two missing front teeth. The foglights underneath further serve to highlight this decorative gaffe. That’s not to say the rest of the car is as visually offensive as Joe Hockey after a 10km jog. Far from it. In fact, apart from that smiley mouth, it’s quite a snazzy design.
The angled headlights sunken into the bodywork; the creaseline that neatly intersects the door handles; the tall but functional glasshouse – it’s quite a nice looking car. And halfway through its lifecycle, Peugeot announced that an Aisin six-speed slushbox has been slotted into the 307 XSE HDi (Hatch and Touring).
To appreciate the benefit of the newly added transmission, you only have to have driven the old four-speeder. Long drawn out gaps between changes, highlighting the disparity of ratios, was only the start. It was a lazy performer, waiting until the accelerator pedal was fused into the carpet before downshifting for overtaking.
The six-speed is a revelation in comparison. Just the right gear ratios, spaced apart perfectly, and willing to adapt to your driving style (but with one trick – holding the revs up after full throttle acceleration). Riding on the wave of lovely diesel torque on part throttle, it helps the 307 XSE HDi to seem effortless, whilst zipping in and out of traffic. And using that 320Nm, the gearbox selects the highest possible gear, saving fuel and keeping the cabin nice and quiet.
Is this a used car test? I thought the 308 had replaced the 307.
End of Feb for 308 apparently.
No used car tests here at Car Advice. This is a last hurrah before it’s replaced.
I drove a 307 2.0Hdi wagon with the six speed auto several months back. A mate had one on loan from the dealer. Huge fun and devastatingly practical, I thought. The biggest icky thing was the lack of a footrest.
By overseas accounts, the 308 has restored Peugeot’s almost vanished reputation for ride and handling composure. It was at its most famous in the 504 and 505 years. I had a 504 in my youth and can vouch for their ability to stroll over speed bumps like nothing happened.
My Golf must be on its best behaviour now.
Thanks Jbot. Saw a 308 on display at the airport last week (in NZ) so thought it must have been released already.
Hey Golfschwein……..didn’t know you were a pug lover…..I grow up in them..{and Fiats shhhh}
I know where your coming from with the foot rest thingy though! You are 6.2 though aren’t you? Big FEET???? I guess Ill see Friday?????
I love the coupés in them……..Im a 2 door girl though!
Oh yes! Mine was a, ahem, rarer 504Ti that had the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection for a rip-snorting 110 bhp against the standard 504’s 98 bhp.
It was buttercup yellow with Renault Australia’s stupid Renault 16 buckets that gave me terrible back ache, the only car ever to do so. On a Fiat car club navigation run in 1984 in Perth’s hills, I got it to oversteer and crash into shrubbery on a totally straight gravel road. My mate who was in the passenger seat has dined out on the story ever since.
I still loved it, though. WHEELS ran an absolutely identical car up against the Volvo 144 of the day in its June 1973 edition. I’ll show you Friday! :)
Sounds good!
Unlike Karl, I like the front end styling. It’s the rear of the car which doesn’t do it for me.
Nothing to do with the Peugeot but you know what FIAT stands for….Fix It Again Tony…Woo Hoo
And LOTUS, No name? Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious :)
Is there a petrol?
Awww Duck why would you want a petrol. Pug are far better with Derv in the tank
No Name,
Have you seen the price of diesel at the moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeh sure have but you go 30-40% further on diesel
Anyone have a view on the 308 yet? I’m thinking of buying the 307 XSE HDi 2.0 auto (there’s some pretty good savings plus a 6 yr 160,000km extended warranty) but not sure if I should just wait for the 308.